Coast Guard fires, demotes, suspends personnel over Basilan ferry tragedy

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard has dismissed four of its personnel, demoted another, and suspended two officers found liable for the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Baluk‑Baluk Island in Basilan in late January.

Following an investigation by the Coast Guard Inspector General‑Internal Affairs Service, four enlisted PCG personnel who were part of a pre‑departure inspection team were dismissed from the service for failing to independently verify the actual number of passengers and properly document the vessel’s load line markings, critical measures for maritime safety.

In a statement, the PCG identified them as Petty Officer 1 Sabhal Turaini, Petty Officer 3 Khalid Asmawil, Petty Officer 3 Al‑Yazar Muyong, and Apprentice Seawoman Mar‑Iya Anawie.

Another, Petty Officer 3 Jestoni Barretto, was demoted one rank for insufficient diligence in his duties. He served as the duty officer on watch at that time. 

Lieutenant Commander Tristan Jener Erediano and Lieutenant Jason Pagbonocan, PCG station commander and acting station commander in Zamboanga, respectively, were suspended without pay for one year and ordered to undergo mandatory retraining on ship inspection standards, effective supervision of pre‑departure inspection teams, and operational management.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the sanctions demonstrate the Coast Guard’s commitment to enforcing maritime safety standards and strengthening inspection, oversight, and training mechanisms to protect the public at sea.

Cayabyab added that while the PCG Technical Diving Group’s underwater operations are scheduled to conclude Thursday, February 26, affected families can expect continued patrolling, coordination with local fishermen, and collaboration with authorities to ensure accountability and improve public maritime transportation.

The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 operated by the Zamboanga City-based Aleson Shipping Lines sank January 26, while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, in waters near Baluk‑Baluk Island. 

The PCG counted 293 survivors, but the death toll has reached at least 65, with over a dozen others still missing, leaving families in anguish and casting a stark light on the dangers of ferry travel in the country.

For years, maritime accidents have been more than isolated tragedies. Government records show hundreds of incidents involving passenger and cargo vessels, exposing gaps in oversight and enforcement. Each sinking, each capsized ferry, has fueled growing questions about regulatory lapses, lax inspections, and the enduring struggle to make travel by sea truly safe. – Rappler.com